The Pharisees and Scribes were influential religious groups in Judea during the Second Temple period, particularly in the time of Jesus Christ. They are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, where they often appear in opposition to Jesus and His teachings.

Pharisees

The Pharisees were a Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions that they believed were equally authoritative. The name "Pharisee" is thought to derive from a Hebrew word meaning "separated," indicating their emphasis on separation from what they considered religious impurity and their dedication to holiness.

The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the coming of a Messiah. They were known for their emphasis on ritual purity, tithing, and the observance of the Sabbath. The Apostle Paul, before his conversion to Christianity, identified himself as a Pharisee (Philippians 3:5).

In the Gospels, the Pharisees are often depicted as opponents of Jesus. They criticized Him for His interpretations of the Law and His association with sinners and tax collectors. Jesus, in turn, rebuked them for their hypocrisy and legalism. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."

Despite their opposition to Jesus, not all Pharisees were hostile. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, sought out Jesus to learn from Him (John 3:1-21), and later defended Him before the Sanhedrin (John 7:50-51).

Scribes

The Scribes were experts in the Law of Moses and were responsible for copying, teaching, and interpreting the Scriptures. They were often associated with the Pharisees, although not all Scribes were Pharisees. The Scribes held significant authority in Jewish society due to their knowledge of the Law and their role in legal matters.

In the New Testament, the Scribes are frequently mentioned alongside the Pharisees as critics of Jesus. They questioned His authority and sought to trap Him with difficult questions. In Mark 12:38-40 , Jesus warns His disciples, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and receive greetings in the marketplaces, and the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation."

The Scribes' dedication to the letter of the Law often led to a neglect of its spirit, which Jesus highlighted in His teachings. He emphasized the importance of mercy, justice, and faithfulness over mere ritual observance (Matthew 23:23).

Interactions with Jesus

The interactions between Jesus and the Pharisees and Scribes are central to understanding the religious climate of His time. Jesus challenged their interpretations of the Law and exposed their hypocrisy, while they questioned His authority and sought to discredit Him. These confrontations highlight the tension between the established religious order and the new covenant that Jesus came to establish.

The Pharisees and Scribes played a significant role in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion. They were part of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council that condemned Jesus to death (Mark 14:53-65). Despite their opposition, the teachings and actions of Jesus revealed the limitations of their legalistic approach and pointed to the need for a deeper, heart-centered faith.